One of the Best Private Schools in Colorado: Building Entrepreneurs & Leaders for a World Still Being Invented.

The future won’t reward  memorization - it will reward bold thinking, character, and courage.

At Aspen Academy, one of the best private schools in Denver, Colorado, we raise children who know who they are, what they believe, and how to build what comes next. 

Best Denver Private School | Top Greenwood Village Middle School | Aspen Academy Students at Recess

For Families Who Expect Excellence

The #1 Decision That Will Define Your Child’s Future Opportunities

Most private schools in Denver, Colorado, still prepare kids for a world that no longer exists.
This short video reveals what the next generation actually needs—and why Aspen Academy was built to meet it.

For Purpose-Driven Families Who Value Integrity

The Future Doesn’t Just Need Smart Kids—It Needs Ethical Leaders

Most schools chase grades. We build character, courage, and conviction—starting in Pre-K.
Watch how Aspen is preparing the next generation to lead with clarity and purpose.

For Families Looking for One Trusted School Home

One School. Every Stage. A Place for Your Whole Family to Grow.

From toddlers to teens, Aspen Academy in Greenwood Village, CO, supports your child’s journey with leadership, values, and real-world learning—all under one roof.

AT A GLANCE

Located in Greenwood Village near Denver and Aurora, Aspen Academy stands among the top Colorado private schools, offering leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship education from Pre-K through 8th grade.  

The image presents an overview of the Nation's First PK-8 Integrated LIFE Program, highlighting its key features such as proven academic excellence, dedicated time for deeper learning, and real-world experience for students.

 

Our community's stories and recognitions speak quietly to the impactful journey your child can experience here.

Best Denver Private School | Top Greenwood Village Elementary School | Aspen Academy Awards and Accreditations

"From the moment she [our daughter] walked into her Kindergarten classroom, it’s been a place where she’s learned, been challenged, and felt deeply supported. Not just in academics, but in who she is as a person. She’s leaving with a strong foundation for high school, but also with a quiet confidence, a strong sense of character, and real compassion for others. These aren’t just ideas at Aspen, they’re lived out every day, and we’ve been grateful for it all.

Aspen Academy has set a standard of excellence in academics, community, and personal development. Thank you for being such an important part of our daughter’s upbringing.  We will always be proud to say we were part of the Aspen family."
Cliff C.

"Our daughter really found her identity and grew her academic confidence in all of her classes at Aspen Academy...It’s not a stretch to say that Aspen has been transformational for her. She was always solid academically but in her two years at Aspen she really blossomed and now self-identifies as a ‘smart kid’ – which she did not prior. Just as importantly her confidence to present, perform and even sing in front of others has blossomed too. She really is a very different kid."
Parents of 5th Grade Student

"Thank you to Aspen Academy for being the perfect spot for Jack to live his best middle school life.

He has been exposed to many new experiences and had opportunities to try new things, to excel in new areas and to be challenged - in so many different ways. He gets to use his creativity, he loves the engagement in the classes and in outside activities.

We have found a supporting and kind community at Aspen and are so glad Jack has had this experience. I wish Aspen would expand to High School."
Trista C.

"Everyone has their own values when it comes to schools.

For us, the entrepreneurial focus was the #1 value for our family.

No other school we have ever heard of even thinks of this, let alone embraces entrepreneurial thinking.

Aspen Academy taught my children that the world is full of immense opportunity and gave them the skills to take advantage of it."
Russell Lundstrom

Aspen Academy Programs: Building Tomorrow's Leaders, One Stage at a Time.

From their earliest steps in Preschool through 8th grade, Aspen Academy, one of the best private schools in Denver, Colorado, offers a continuum of programs that cultivate confident, ethical leaders ready to shape the future. 

Preschool and Pre-K

Discover How We Nurture Big Character and Curiosity in Little Learners

Aspen Academy’s Early Learning campus (ages 2–5) blends globally respected models like Montessori and Reggio Emilia with nature-based exploration, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and early leadership. Through play, STEAM, and social-emotional learning, children build the foundation for a joyful and purposeful life.

Lower School

See How Your Child Will Grow in Leadership, Literacy, and Life Skills—Every Single Day

In our Lower School (K–4), every child is known, challenged, and supported through a rigorous academic foundation that includes language, math, science, social studies, arts, fitness, and leadership. We meet students where they are—whether they need extra support or accelerated challenge—while holding them to high standards and nurturing their growth.

Middle School

Experience the Only Middle School Where Students Run Real Businesses Before High School

In Middle School (5–8), students deepen their strengths through real-world learning, project-based challenges, and a purpose-driven leadership program. We intentionally equip them to lead with confidence—at home, in class, and in the community. 

Essentials

Explore Our Daily Essentials—From Coding to Culinary to Art That Wins National Awards

Our Essentials Program—featuring world languages, arts, technology, and fitness—gives students daily opportunities to build confidence, creativity, and leadership. These classes complement core academics and help each student discover their unique strengths and passions.

Results That Speak for Themselves

At Aspen Academy, success is measured by who our students become.  

Every child leaves here with the confidence to lead, and the courage to create what comes next. While the results speak loudly, they’re really a reflection of something quieter: a community that believes kids are capable of far more than most schools ever ask of them.  

Aspen Academy is 2-3x above state and national benchmarks and surpassing NAIS averages (~40%/35%).

  • 97% of students at Aspen Academy are at or above grade level in Math. 93% of students are at or above grade level in Reading.
    • Whereas, Colorado state statistics show only 23% of students are at or above in math and 35% in reading.
    • While national averages are even worse at 18% in math and 30% in reading are at or above grade level.
  • Every student, Pre-K through 8th, develops and presents an original business idea each year. 
  • Our Middle Schoolers operate real businesses—earning over $76,000 in revenue last year through Aspen’s Bear’s Student Enterprises. 
  • Each student completes more than 200 hours of financial literacy instruction before graduation. 
  • Aspen students regularly earn recognition in YouthBiz Stars, FBLA, and other state and national entrepreneurship competitions. 

These moments of real leadership prepare our students to thrive academically, ethically, and courageously long after they leave our halls. 

That’s truly what makes us one of the top private schools near Greenwood Village, CO.  

Ready to See Your Child Flourish?

Discover how Aspen Academy's unique approach can shape your child into a confident, ethical leader.

We understand choosing the right school is a big decision. 

That's why we invite you to a personalized 30-minute chat with our Admissions team.

This is a no-pressure conversation where you can ask your specific questions, share your child's aspirations, and learn how Aspen Academy can support their journey. 

It's the perfect first step to see if our community is the right fit for your family.

Use our admissions calendar to choose a time that works best for your family - we’ll be ready to answer your questions and help you explore if Aspen Academy is the right fit.

Aspen Academy Founders

Kristina Scala, Aspen Academy founder and president headshot

Aspen Academy Founder and President, Kristina Scala

Aspen Academy Founder Lynda Sailor headshot

Aspen Academy Founder and Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Lynda Sailor

From Vision to Reality: The Aspen Academy Story

Aspen Academy began with a profound frustration and a powerful vision.

Our founders, Kristina Scala and Lynda Sailor, saw that American education was falling behind, often ranking among the lowest in the Western world.

They believed children deserved an education that prepared them not just for today, but for a future none of us can fully predict.

Campus and Security

Peace of Mind, Peak Potential: Our Colorado Private School Campus, Your Child's Safe Haven to Thrive.

A school where advanced safety measures and a nurturing community create the ideal environment for every child to explore, learn, and grow without limits.

Our Greenwood Village campus, centrally located for families across Denver and Aurora, CO, combines safety innovation with a culture of care and exploration. 

We use advanced AI-powered safety systems, like Volt AI and GoGuardian, to actively protect our students and identify 'at risk' behaviors.

This thoughtful approach to security creates a nurturing community where every child feels safe, allowing them the freedom to explore, learn, and truly flourish without limits.

Aspen Academy Early Learning student exploring outside, holding clover.

Recent Articles and Blog Posts

Parts of lego minifig separated and needing to be put back together

At Aspen Academy, critical thinking isn’t a class—it’s how kids learn every day, from running real businesses to solving real problems that matter. We focus on raising humans of consequence by teaching kiddos how to think, lead, and act with character in a world that’s still being built.

Student coding robot as part of STEAM class exercise at Aspen Academy

Discover 3 fun steam activities for kids that middle schoolers love! From LEGO robotics to Bloxels game design and stop motion animation, explore creative steam project ideas and STEAM Fair Project ideas to spark innovation.

Aspen middle school students prep for AMP'd performance

Choosing the right school is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make as a parent—and a private school tour is your first glimpse into your child’s future. But how do you know what to look for, what to ask, or how to truly evaluate the experience? In our latest blog, “4 Tips for a Successful Private School Tour for Your Child,” we share practical guidance to help you move beyond the surface and uncover what really matters: culture, leadership, partnership, and purpose. Discover how to make the most of your visit, engage your child in the process, and see whether Aspen Academy’s commitment to developing “humans of consequence” aligns with your family’s highest ideals.

Taxes

Private school tuition and taxes can feel like a maze—especially for Colorado families trying to think strategically about long-term educational investments. In our latest blog, “Is Private School Tuition Tax Deductible? How to Claim Aspen Academy Tuition,” we cut through the noise and explain what actually applies (and what doesn’t), from 529 plan realities to Educational Trust strategies and the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit. If you’re a business-minded parent looking to fund an education of consequence with clarity and precision, this guide offers straightforward insight—plus the right questions to bring to your CPA. Discover how to approach tuition with a long-game mindset and confidence.

Upcoming School & Faculty Events

Serving Denver-Area Families and Beyond

Aspen Academy proudly serves families across Denver, Greenwood Village, Aurora, and beyond. We offer a future-ready education in leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship for students from Preschool through 8th Grade. 

Our campus is centrally located just minutes from I-25, making it one of the most accessible private schools in Aurora, CO, for families across the metro area. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We believe in the power of a conversation.

If you're ready to explore how Aspen Academy can shape your child's future, we invite you to connect with our Admissions team.

This is a chance to ask your questions, share your child's unique gifts, and discover if our community is the right fit.

Use our admissions calendar to choose a time that works best for your family - we’ll be ready to answer your questions and help you explore if Aspen Academy is the right fit.

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